What is HVAC preventative maintenance?
What does HVAC maintenance mean? HVAC is an acronym for , heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. This is a mechanical system that maintain a comfortable temperature level in your home. The HVAC system also maintains an optimal air quality and provides a level of energy efficiency too.
There are many things that can go wrong with an HVAC system, including corrosion, leaks, and issues with distributing cold or hot air. Things like clogged filters, dirty coils, and more can lead these problems, which where HVAC maintenance is important. HVAC maintenance is being proactive and preventative in making sure your HVAC system is running in proper condition and minimizing future issues and problems.
What is preventive maintenance checklist?
For you, the homeowner, your maintenance checklist should include the following tasks to help keep your HVAC equipment running smoothly in between the professional HVAC maintenance and tune up appointments by a trained HVAC technician:
- Change or clean the HVAC filter every month. Most new HVAC systems today have an indicator light to remind you the HVAC filter needs attention.
- Keep debris cleared away from the outdoor unit. Things like leaves and trash get sucked up against the unit affecting its efficiency.
- Once a month clean the outdoor unit by spraying it down with water hose.
- Keep foliage trimmed back a minimum of 18 inches away from the outdoor unit.
- Keep return and supply registers clear of drapes, furniture, or rugs.
How often should I replace HVAC filter?
It is recommended by HVAC manufacturers and professionals that a HVAC filter should be replaced every 30 days. If you have a reusable filter, cleaning it every 30 day is recommended. Exceptions to this is for households with occupants with breathing issues, has indoor pets, or live on a dirt, dusty road. In those instances, changing or cleaning the HVAC filter should be done twice a month.
What is involved in HVAC maintenance?
There are some preventative HVAC maintenance steps that can’t be or shouldn’t be done by the homeowner. There are skills learned by training and experience, and specific tools that trained HVAC technicians have access. This is the purpose of taking an HVAC maintenance contract with the company that installs your HVAC unit. Care for your HVAC system should be taken seriously in order to get a longer lifespan from the unit. It will also save you money over the year and minimize the chances of your system breaking down on a cold winter night or in the middle of a hot summer day.
Here is a list of what HVAC technicians will do when they arrive for a HVAC maintenance and tune-up:
- Check the system controls to ensure they are in proper and safe operating condition.
- Clean and adjust dampers.
- Inspect area surrounding air intake.
- Ensure air flow is proper volume.
- Check air filters, clean or replace.
- Check air duct system .
- Check refrigerant.
- Inspect electric terminals and apply non-conductive coating.
- Verify correct electric control.
- Check heat amps.
- Lubricate motors and other moving parts.
- Clean blower motor.
- Inspect fan, belts, and bearings.
- Test thermostat is cycling on and off properly.
- Check drainage of condensation system.
- Check outdoor unit fins are straight.
- Clean exterior and interior of outdoor unit.
- Check defrost board, aka heat pump.
- Inspect the gas piping and pressure.
- Check flue vent.
- Check burner combustion and heat exchanger.
- Check fuel lines.
- Clean and inspect the condenser coils and evaporator for any dirt or obstructions.
How often should your HVAC be serviced?
As the homeowner, your HVAC maintenance tasks should be done monthly, especially the changing or cleaning of the air filter. In keeping the outdoor unit clear of debris like leaves, any time you’re walking by, remove anything that has blown up or sucked up by the unit.
For a professional HVAC maintenance plan once a year minimum is recommended by manufacturer and HVAC experts. This will keep your HVAC system is proper working order or if any small issues have occurred, the technician will catch them and be able to repair or correct them before they become a major and costly problem.
What is included in a HVAC tune up?
The common HVAC tune-up by a professional HVAC technician should include the following:
- Clean condenser coil.
- Calibrate thermostat.
- Check refrigerant level.
- Check for refrigerant leaks.
- Inspect and tighten electrical connections and parts.
- Check blower belt and motor.
How long does an HVAC tune-up take?
A professional technician will take between thirty and forty-five minutes to perform a thorough tune-up. In some cases, the size of the house or if there are multiple HVAC units, the tune-up could take as long as an hour. If the system(s) need refrigerant added, the job can take additional 30 minutes.
Are HVAC tune ups worth it?
Definitely! There are several benefits with regular HVAC maintenance by the homeowner and professionally scheduled appointments. Among those benefits are:
- Less Repairs: With routine HVAC maintenance by you or a professional, anything that is common or ordinary will be caught and repair or replacement can take place before the system fails.
- Safe Operation: A routine HVAC maintenance place will save you money by keeping the HVAC system in proper working order, saving you money on repairs.
- Longer Lifespan: With a routine HVAC maintenance schedule, malfunctioning parts can be replaced and eliminate possible domino effect of other components breaking down. This will keep the equipment in proper working condition which will extend its lifespan.
- Lower Energy Costs: When your HVAC system is operating correctly in at full capacity, it will save you money each month. When HVAC maintenance is neglected, the system will get bogged down and have to work harder. The harder it works, the more this will cost you each month in utilities.
Need help with your HVAC today in Fort Worth, TX? Call 817-244-2511 today.